Based on technical investigation and analysis of drying practices in a few lumber drying companies, an optimized conventional drying schedule and a high temperature drying schedule were developed for 50 mm thick imported radiata pine lumber to improve drying quality and efficiency.The results showed that drying time was significantly shortened by using the optimized conventional schedules, and quality of the kiln dried lumber met the 2,nd, grade requirements of China national standard GB/T 6491. The drying time was shortened from 10.75 days with conventional drying schedules to 6.20 days with the optimized conventional drying schedule, and was further decreased to 3.69 days with a high temperature drying schedule, resulting in significantly improved drying efficiency. The high temperature drying schedule was recommended for high temperature drying kilns so as to further improve drying efficiency.